Method and apparatus for practicing putting stroke

ABSTRACT

Improvements are provided for a putter. The putter includes a club head. The improvements are removably mounted on the putter with a spring-loaded fastener that is positioned above the club head and behind the ball striking face of the club head. The improvements facilitate the practice of a putting stroke in which the putter club head moves along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground.

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority based on application Ser. No. 10/976,829, filed Oct. 29, 2004.

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing golf.

More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing a putting stroke.

In a further respect, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing a putting stroke in which during the back stroke the club head of the putter moves along a path of travel that is substantially parallel to the ground.

In another respect, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for determining whether the bottom surface of the putter is parallel to the ground both during the pre-shot routine and during the actual putting stroke.

In still a further respect, the invention pertains to apparatus that is used to practice a putting stroke and that can be adjusted to tolerate less deviation by a golfer from the desired path of travel of the putter club head during a putting stroke.

A wide variety of practice devices are available for use by golfers. One such practice device is specifically designed for putting and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,675 to Weathers. The Weathers training device removably attaches to the club head of a putter and includes a pair of cylindrical parallel guide posts 122 and 124 that are normal to and extend outwardly from the putting face of the putter club head. The Weathers training device is intended for use during a pendulum stroke in which the putter club head moves along an arcuate path of travel:

-   -   “During a practice swing, the club head 112 may follow an         arcuate path similar to that of a pendulum. Guide posts 122 and         124 are of such a length to ensure that the posts do not come         into contact with the putting surface during the putting         stroke.” Col. 5, lines 61 to 65. See also Col. 4, lines 37 to         41.         It is believed desirable during short putts to move the putter         club head along a path of travel that is not arcuate, but         instead that is generally parallel to the ground. Such a path of         travel is believed to reduce the likelihood the putter will err         because during a putting stroke that follows a relatively linear         path of travel the golfer does not have to account for changes         in the distance of the putter head from the ground and can         better focus on gauging the speed of the putter head as it         strikes a golf ball. During a short putt, the length of the         backstroke is two feet or less.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide a method and apparatus to practice moving a putter club head along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground.

It would also be highly desirable to provide a practice device that enables a golfer to readily determine if the putter is tilted such that the bottom of the putter is not substantially parallel to the ground but rather is canted with respect to the ground.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the instant invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for practicing a putting stroke.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for determining whether during a putting stroke the putter club head is moving along a path of travel that is arcuate or that is generally parallel to the ground.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved putting method and apparatus that permits the degree of difficulty in putting to be varied.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved putting method and apparatus to determine whether the putter club head is square to the ground or is canted with respect to the ground.

These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a golf practice device constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating additional construction features thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the golf practice device of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 3 illustrating the mode of operation thereof;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the club head of a putter illustrating the possible canting of the club head from its desired parallel orientation with respect to the ground;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the panel members of the devices of FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrating the appearance thereof to a golfer setting up to putt;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a putter and a golf practice device constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating the putter and golf practice device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the golf practice device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the golf practice device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side section view illustrating the golf practice device of FIG. 8 and taken along section line 11-11 thereof;

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of the golf practice device of FIG. 8 illustrating further construction details thereof;

FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of the golf practice device of FIG. 8 illustrating additional construction details thereof;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a putter and golf practice device constructed in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective section view of the putter and golf practice device of FIG. 14 taken along section line 15-15 thereof;

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the golf practice device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a top view illustrating the golf practice device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the golf practice device of FIG. 14 illustrating further construction details thereof; and, FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the golf practice device of FIG. 14 illustrating further construction details thereof.

Briefly, in accordance with my invention, I provide improvements in combination with a putter. The putter has a club head, has a ball striking face, and has a bottom surface. The improvements enable practicing a putting stroke in which the club head moves along a path of travel substantially parallel to the ground during a backstroke. The improvements comprise a practice device. The practice device includes a body; a fastener connected to the body and removably securing the practice device to the club head; and, a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from the body normal to the ball striking face. Each of the panels has a lower edge positioned less than about one quarter inch above the ground when the bottom surface of the club head is resting on and substantially parallel to the ground.

In another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved method for practicing putting using a putter having a club head having a ball striking face and having a bottom surface, the method facilitating a putting stroke in which during the backstroke the club head moves along a path of travel that is substantially parallel to the ground. The method includes the step of providing a practice device. The practice device includes a body; a fastener connected to the body to removably secure the practice device to the club head; and, a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from the body. Each of the panels has a lower edge. The method also includes the step of using the fastener to mount the practice device on the club head such that the guide panels and lower edges extend outwardly from and are perpendicular to the striking face; and, such that the lower edges of the panels are each less than about one-quarter inch from the ground when the bottom surface of the club head contacts and is substantially parallel to the ground. The method also includes the step of moving the putter through a backstroke while maintaining the lower edges spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the ground.

In a further embodiment of the invention, I provide improvements in combination with a putter. The putter has a club head, has a ball striking face, and has a bottom surface. The improvements enable practicing a putting stroke in which the bottom surface of the club head remains substantially parallel to the ground. The improvements comprise a practice device. The practice device includes a body; a fastener connected to the body and removably securing the practice device to the club head; and, a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from the body normal to the ball striking face. Each of the panels has a flat face at least one-half inch high and substantially normal to the ground and to the ball striking face to facilitate determining when the club head tilts such that the bottom surface is canted with respect to the ground.

In still another embodiment of the invention, I provide improvements in combination with a putter. The putter has a club head, has a ball striking face, and has a bottom surface. The improvements enable practicing a putting stroke in which the club head moves along a path of travel substantially parallel to the ground during a backstroke. The improvements comprise a practice device. The practice device comprises a body; a fastener connected to the body and removably securing the practice device to the club head; and, at least one guide panel extending outwardly from the body normal to the ball striking face. The panel has a lower edge. The practice device also comprises apparatus for adjusting the position of the guide panel laterally along the body in a direction parallel to the ball striking face while maintaining the guide panel normal to the ball striking face.

In still a further embodiment of the invention, I provide improvements in combination with a putter. The putter has a club head. The club head has a front including a ball striking face, a back, and a bottom surface. The improvements facilitate the practicing of a putting stroke in which the club head moves along a path of travel substantially parallel to the ground during a backstroke. The improvements comprise a practice device including a body having a front portion having a distal end and a first grip, and, a back portion having a distal end and a second grip spaced apart from said first grip; a spring loaded fastener interconnecting the front portion and back portion to generate forces displacing the distal end of the front portion against the front of the putter and displacing the distal end of the back portion against the back of the putter such that displacing the second grip toward the first grip displaces the distal end of the back portion away from the distal end of the front portion; and, a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from the body normal to the ball striking face. Each of the panels has a lower edge positioned above the ground when the bottom surface of the club head is resting on and substantially parallel to the ground.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved method for practicing putting using a putter. The putter has a club head. The club head has a front including a ball striking face, a back, and a bottom surface. The improved method facilitates a putting stroke in which during the backstroke the club head moves along a path of travel that is substantially parallel to the ground. The method includes the step of providing a practice device. The practice device includes a body having a front portion having a distal end and a first grip, and, a back portion having a distal end and a second grip spaced apart from the first grip; includes a spring loaded fastener interconnecting the front portion and back portion to generate forces displacing said distal end of the front portion against the front of the putter and displacing the distal end of the back portion against the back of the putter such that displacing the second grip toward the first grip displaces the distal end of the back portion away from the back of the putter; and, includes a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from the front portion normal to the ball striking face. Each of the panels has a lower edge. The practice device also includes a mounting system for mounting each of the panels at a plurality of positions on the front portion to adjust a distance between the panels. The method also includes the step of using the mounting system to mount the practice device on the club head such that the distal end of the first portion contacts the front of the putter; the distal end of the second portion contacts the back of the putter; and, the lower edges of the panels are each less than about one-quarter inch from the ground when the bottom surface of the club head contacts and is substantially parallel to the ground. The improved method also includes the step of moving the putter through a backstroke while maintaining the lower edges spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the ground; using the mounting system to adjust the distance between the panels; and, moving the putter through a backstroke while maintaining the lower edges spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the ground.

Turning now to the drawings, which depict the presently preferred embodiments of the invention for the purpose of illustrating the practice thereof and not byway of limitation of the scope of the invention, and in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a practice device constructed in accordance with the invention and generally indicated by reference character 10. Practice device 10 includes support member 11 and guide panels 18. Member 11 includes elongate body 24 having face 24A. U-shaped notches 20 to 23 are formed in the top of body 24. L-shaped fastener 25 is attached to body 24. Fastener 25 functions to secure removably device 10 on the club head 26 of a putter 51 (FIG. 5). Fastener 25 includes arm 15 that extends downwardly over the back surface 26A of a club head 26 in the manner depicted in FIG. 2.

Each guide panel 18 includes top edge 56, bottom edge 12, opposed flat planar faces 13 and 13A, and arm 19. Arm 19 hooks or latches in a notch 20 to 23. After arm 19 latches in a notch 20 to 23, a panel 18 is oriented in the manner indicated by dashed lines 18A in FIG. 1. The length, indicated by dashed arrows L in FIG. 1, of panel 18 extending outwardly from face 24A can be varied as desired, but is presently at least two inches, preferably at least two and one-half inches, and most preferably at least three inches. The height, indicated by arrows K in FIG. 1, of a panel 18 can be varied as desired, but is presently at least one-half inch, preferably at least one inch, and most preferably at least one and one-half inches. The shape and dimension of face 13 can vary as desired, but face 13 is preferably has a flat, generally orthogonal shape. Incorporating a flat face 13 in a panel 18 is important because it facilitates a golfer's being able visually to discern when the club head of a putter is tilted such that the bottom of the putter is canted with respect to the ground and is not generally parallel to the ground. A flat face 13 in a panel 18 also facilitates a golfer's being able visually to discern when the club head 26 is pivoted about an axis that is perpendicular to the ground and such that the face 27 of the club head 26 is no longer normal to the desired direction of travel M (FIG. 6) of a golf ball.

FIG. 2 illustrates the practice device 10 after fastener 15 is used to hook or mount device 10 on the upper edge 26B of the club head 26 of a putter. When device 10 is mounted on club head 26, the distance A of lower edge 12 of a panel 18 above the ground can vary as desired, but presently is less than about one-half inch (i.e., is one-half inch plus or minus one-sixteenth of an inch), preferably is less than about three-eighths of an inch (i.e., is three-eighths inch plus or minus one-sixteenth of an inch), and most preferably is less than about one-quarter of an inch (i.e., is one-quarter of an inch plus or minus one-sixteenth of an inch). The short distance between lower edge 12 and the ground 21 is important because a critical function of panels 18 is to contact the ground 21 if a golfer on the back stroke fails to move the club head 26 along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground. If the golfer on the back stroke moves the putter head along an arcuate pendulum-like path of travel, the club head 26 and panel 18 will tilt in the direction of arrow O in FIG. 2 and distal tip 1 8A likely will contact the ground 21. When tip 18A contacts the ground, the golfer knows that club head 26 likely is not moving along a path of travel parallel to the ground. When the club head 26 during a short backstroke of two feet or less moves along a path of travel that is parallel and close (i.e., within about an inch) to the ground, the club head ordinarily will tilt less because the hands and wrists of the golfer must travel rearwardly with the handle of the putter in order to maintain the club head on a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground. When the hands and wrists of the golfer travel rearwardly with the handle, there is less of a tendency for the golfer to use his wrists to “snap” or pivot the handle of the putter from back to front. Instead, there is more of a tendency for the golfer to keep during the back stroke (and during the forward stroke into contact with the golf ball) the position of his or her wrists and hands fixed with respect to the golfer's forearms. Keeping the hands, wrists, and forearms in a fixed configuration with respect to each other reduces the number of variables in the putting stroke, and is believed to facilitate a golfer's becoming a more consistent putter. The practice device of the invention promotes this kind of putting stroke.

While it is an object of the practice device of the invention to practice moving the putter club head along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground, it is understood that there is a natural tendency to gradually increase the distance of the putter club head from the ground as the club head moves further and further into the backstroke. As long as the path of travel of the putter club head during the backstroke is at an angle to the ground of less than twenty degrees, preferably less than ten degrees, most preferably less than five degrees, the path of travel of the club head is deemed herein to be generally parallel to the ground.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes support member 30. Member 30 includes elongate body 34 having face 46. U-shaped notches 40 to 43 are formed in the top of body 34. Spring loaded fastener 35 is attached to the upper portion of body 34. Fastener 35 functions to secure removably device 30 on the club head 26 of a putter 51 (FIG. 4). Fastener 35 includes pin member 38 welded 50 or otherwise fixedly secured to the upper portion of body 34. Spring 44 is mounted on the elongate cylindrical shaft or neck 39 of member 38. One end 45 of spring 44 bears against face 46. The other end 47 of spring 44 bears against elongate rectangular tab 36 of fastener 35. Tab 36 is connected to spaced apart arms 48 and 49. Shaft 39 extends through apertures formed in arms 48 and 49. Arms 48 and 49 pivot about stationary shaft 39. Elongate tab 37 includes elongate end or edge 37A that bears against the back surface 26A of club head 26. Spring 44 functions to maintain fastener 35 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. To remove device 30 from club head 26, the golfer displaces tab 36 in the direction of arrow C to cause end 37A to move away from surface 26A in the direction indicated by arrow D. Device 30 can then be lifted upwardly off club head 26. The reverse procedure is used to install device 30 on club head 26.

Panels 18 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) are mounted in U-shaped notches 40 to 43 in the same manner panels 18 are mounted in notches 20 to 23 in FIG. 1. Notches 40 to 43 (and 20 to 23) permit the distance between a parallel opposing pair of panels 18 to be laterally adjusted in directions B, G parallel to face 27, 46. Placing one panel 18 in notch 42 and another panel in notch 41 produces a first distance between the panels 18. Placing one panel 18 in notch 43 and another panel in notch 40 produces a second distance between the panels 18 which is less than said first distance. The second smaller distance gives a golfer less room for error on the backstroke and forward stroke of the club head 26. The second distance between panels 18 is still, however, greater than the diameter of a golf ball 58 so that a golfer can use the face 27, 46 of a club head to contact a golf ball positioned between a parallel pair of panels 18 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6. Other means can be utilized to alter the position of panels 18 on a body 24, 34. Panels 18 and body 24, 34 can, for example, be constructed such that panels 18 each slide laterally along the body 24, 34 between a plurality of different positions.

FIG. 6 illustrates in ghost outline a club head 26 connected to the shaft 52 of a putter 51. Dot 57 represents an axis that is perpendicular to the ground and to the plane of the sheet of paper on which FIG. 6 is drawn, and that is parallel to face 27 and faces 13. When putting, a golfer attempts to keep face 27 perpendicular to the desired path of travel M of ball 58 and to the desired path of travel N of the club head during the backstroke. Unfortunately, it is a simple matter for a golfer to pivot inadvertently club head 26 about vertical axis 57 in the direction of arrows H, J, K such that face 27 is no long perpendicular to the paths of travel M and N. Flat surfaces 13, as well as the length of panels 18, facilitate a golfer's being able to detect visually the unwanted rotation of club head 26 about axis 57 or about the axis coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the shaft 52 on which club head 26 is mounted.

In FIG. 6, for sake of clarity, the support member 11, 30 is omitted, and only arms 18 are pictured in their normal configuration in which they are perpendicular to face 27, parallel to each other, and parallel to the ground. In use, a golfer positions his feet along a line 62 that is parallel to the desired path of travel of ball 58 when the ball is struck by and leaves face 27. If the golfer does not use his feet to define a line parallel to a desired line of travel, the golfer still “reads” a green and determines the desired line of travel indicated by arrow M. Once line 62 and the desired line of travel M are defined, the golfer positions club head 26 with face 27 normal to paths of travel M and N and with the bottom 28 of the club head parallel to the ground.

As indicated in FIG. 5, a golfer can inadvertently tilt the toe 53 of club head 26 in the direction of arrow E of the ground while maintaining the heel 54 in contact with the ground—or vice-versa. Such tilting or canting of the bottom 28 of the club head 26 with respect to the ground is not desirable. The length (i.e., greater than two inches) of panels 18 and the flat surfaces 13 facilitate a golfer's being able visually to determine when club head 26 is canted and to determine when the club head 26 is positioned properly with bottom 28 generally parallel to the ground.

Once a golfer achieves the position of club head 26 illustrated in FIG. 6 with bottom 28 generally parallel to the ground, the golfer moves his hands, wrists, and forearms simultaneously rearwardly in the direction of arrow N while maintaining the position of the hands, wrists, and forearms in a fixed orientation with respect to one another. The golfer attempts to maintain the club head 26 within about one inch or less of the ground while moving the putter head along a path of travel that is generally parallel to the ground. If the golfer excessively tilts the club head 26 and device 10 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2, then tips 18A contact the ground. When tips 18A contact the ground, the golfer knows that the putter head either followed an arcuate path of travel or was excessively tilted while moving along a path of travel parallel to the ground. The golfer adjusts the distance between parallel panels 18 to make the control required during his practice strokes more difficult (panels 18 closer together) or less difficult (panels 18 further apart).

If the golfer during his practice back strokes maintains the club head 26 along a path parallel to the ground without contacting the ground with tip 18, the golfer can attempt the forward stroke to contact ball 58. Panels 18 enable a golfer to visually determine if the club head proceeds along a desired path of travel M with panels 18 parallel to the desired path. Practice with device 10 is facilitated if writing on ball 58 (i.e., Titliest, Spalding, etc.) is aligned with the desired path of travel M of ball 58. The golfer can then visually better ascertain if during the swing of club head 26 the panels 18 are maintained parallel to the writing on ball 58.

FIGS. 7 to 13 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the invention in which a practice device 80 is mounted on the head 70 of a golf putter. The proximate end of a shaft 71 is connected to the head 70. The distal end (not shown) of the shaft 71 includes a conventional handle or grip that a golfer grasps manually when using the putter.

The putter head 70 includes a back having bottom surface 73, a top surface 72, and includes a front that is attached to the back portion. The front includes ball striking face 74. The back also includes a vertically oriented back surface 104 (FIG. 11) that is generally parallel to the ball striking face 74.

The practice device 80 includes a body having front portion 101 and back portion 100. The front portion 101 includes a grip 87. The back portion 100 includes a grip 88 that is opposed to and spaced apart from grip 87. The shape and dimension and location of grips 87 and 88 can vary as desired. A spring loaded fastener interconnects grips 87 and 88 and includes pin 96 and spring 95 mounted on pin 96. Pin 96 extends through apertures formed in the proximate end of each grip 87 and 88 such that pin 96 functions to permit each grip 87 and 88 to pivot about pin 96. Spring 95 is mounted on pin 96 such that spring 95 functions to generate forces on portions 101 and 100 that displace them in the directions indicated in FIG. 10 by arrows B and A, respectively, such that when the practice device is mounted on putter head 70, the pads 102 and 103 on the distal ends of portion 101 are pressed against parts of ball striking surface 74 and such that pads 97 and 98 mounted on the distal ends of portion 100 are pressed against surface 104 (FIG. 11) of the putter head.

The spring-loaded embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a single tab 36 positioned over the top of the front of the putter, and includes a spring that is positioned forwardly of the striking face 27 of the putter and of the surface of body 34 that contacts face 27. In addition, the tab 37 contacts the back of the putter head along an elongate edge or line. Since the majority of the weight of fastener 35 is forward of the face 27 and tab 37 contacts the back of the putter along an edge, fastener 35 tends to be unstable and edge 37A tends to slide up the back of the putter. In addition, installing fastener 35 on a putter head is somewhat awkward because in order to move tab 36 in the direction of arrow C, body 34 is held in one hand while tab 36 is operated with the other hand. Operating fastener 35 is awkward, or difficult at best. The practice device 80 of FIGS. 7 to 13 (and the practice device of FIGS. 14 to 19) solves the afore-mentioned problems, can readily be operated with a single hand, and is more stable than the fastener 35.

One reason device 80 is more effective than fastener 35 is that the back portion 100 does not contact the back of the putter head along an edge, but instead utilizes flat areas 97 and 98 to contact the back of the putter head.

Another reason device 80 is more effective than fastener 35 is that device 80 utilizes a pair of upstanding spring-loaded grips or tabs 87 and 88 that have a normal “at rest” spaced apart configuration and that are squeezed together between the fingers of a single hand in order to mount device 80 on a putter head.

A further reason device 80 is more effective than fastener 35 is that the spring 95 is not positioned forward of the grips 87 and 88, but is positioned intermediate grips 87 and 88. In contrast, in FIG. 4 the spring 39 is positioned forwardly of tab 36.

Still another reason device 80 is more effective than (when device 80 is mounted on a putter head) fastener 35 is that spring 95 intermediate grips 87 and 88 is not positioned forwardly from the striking face 74 of a putter and forwardly from the surface(s) 102 of device 80 that contact face 74. Instead, spring 95 is positioned rearwardly of face 74 and of the surfaces 102 of the front portion 101 that contact face 74. Spring 95 is also positioned rearwardly of surfaces 102 when device 80 is not mounted on the head of a putter.

Still a further reason device 80 is more effective than fastener 35 is that device 80 is constructed to form (when device 80 is mounted on the head of a putter) a “window” in the center of the putter head that exposes from top-to-bottom substantially the entire portion of striking face 74 bordered by the window. In contrast, the fastener 35 of FIG. 4 extends downwardly over a large portion of the striking face 27 of the putter head. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that in the central area of device 80, only little, if any, of the upper portion of the striking face 74 is covered by device 80. The edge portions 101A, 101B, 101C of portion 101 that circumscribe open window space 101D are seen in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Another particular advantage of device 80 is that it does not require a portion of the device to extend beneath the surface of the putter head that normally contacts the ground when the putter head is rested on or near the ground prior to putting a ball.

A further advantage of device 80 is that the bottom edges 89, 92 are spaced above the ground and above the bottom of the putter head so that when the putter head is resting on or near the ground prior to putting a ball, edges 89 and 92 do not contact the surface of the green. When the putter head is resting on a green prior to putting a ball, no portion of device 80 contacts the surface of the green.

Elongate panel 81 includes top edge 91, bottom edge 89 generally parallel to edge 91, distal end 90, and proximate end 84. End 84 includes downwardly extending depending finger 107.

Elongate panel 82 includes top edge 94, bottom edge 92 generally parallel to edge 82, distal end 93, and proximate end 86. End 86 includes downwardly extending depending finger 106.

The shape and dimension of panels 81 and 82 can vary as desired, but it is presently preferred that distal ends 90 and 93 be rounded and that bottom edges 89 and 92 be generally straight. The straight edges 89 and 92 facilitate properly positioning putter head 70 such that edges 89 and 92 are parallel to and spaced apart from the ground. Rounded ends 90, 93 help enable a golfer to prevent distal ends 90 and 93 from inadvertently contacting the ground during a backstroke and enable a golfer, if the golfer wishes, to have the putter head 70 follow a somewhat arcuate path during the backstroke of the putter head 70.

One side or end of front portion 101 includes a plurality (i.e., three) of slots or apertures 83. The number of apertures 83 can vary as desired, but at least two is presently preferred. Each aperture is shaped and dimensioned to slidably removably receive finger 107 of end 84. Consequently, apertures 83 permit the position of panel 81 to be laterally adjusted along the front portion 101 of the body of the practice device by moving finger 107 from one aperture 83 to another aperture 83.

One side or end of front portion 101 includes a plurality (i.e., three) of slots or apertures 85. The number of apertures 85 can be varied as desired, but at least two apertures 85 are presently preferred. Each aperture 85 is shaped and dimensioned to slidably removably receive finger 106 of end 86. Consequently, apertures 85 permit the position of panel 82 to be laterally adjusted along the front portion 101 of the body of the practice device by moving finger 106 from one aperture 85 to another aperture 85. Apertures 83 and 85 function to more securely interconnect panels 81, 82 and front portion 101 than does the notch 20 to 22 configuration of FIG. 1. Instead of an arm 19 extending over a notch 20 to 22, in the configuration of FIGS. 7 to 13, a finger slidably extends into and engages a slot 83, 85.

Adjusting the position of panels 81 and 82 to decrease the distance between panels 81 and 82 increases the difficulty in using the practice device of the invention and forces a golfer to move the putter head along a line of travel without permitting head 60 and shaft 71 to pivot and rotate such that panels move in the direction of arrow S or arrow T (FIG. 9). Instead, the golfer endeavors to move the putter head 60 through a backstroke and forward stroke such that panels 81 and 82 remain parallel (and striking face 74 remains normal) to the desired line of travel U of the putter head 60 and such that panels 81 and 82 do not contact golf ball 75 during the putting stroke. When ball 75 is struck by and rolls away from face 74, the path of travel of ball 75 preferably is parallel to panels 81 and 82.

FIGS. 14 to 19 illustrate still another embodiment of the invention in which a practice device 180 is mounted on the head 170 of a golf putter. The proximate end of a shaft 171 is connected to the head 170. The distal end (not shown) of the shaft 171 includes a conventional handle or grip that a golfer grasps manually when using the putter.

The putter head 170 includes a front having top surface 172 and ball striking face 174. The putter head 170 also includes a back that is connected to the front of the putter head. The back of the putter includes vertically oriented back surface 204. Bottom surface 173 extends over the bottom of the front and back portions of the putter head. Surface 204 is generally parallel to surface 174, but this need not be the case.

The practice device 180 includes a body having front portion 199 and back portion 200. The front portion 199 includes a grip 187. The back portion 200 includes a grip 188 that is opposed to and spaced apart from grip 187. The shape and dimension and location of grips 187 and 188 can vary as desired. A spring loaded fastener interconnects grips 187 and 188 and includes pin 196 and spring 195 mounted on pin 196. Pin 196 extends through apertures formed in the proximate end of each grip 187 and 188 such that pin 196 functions to permit each grip 187 and 188 to pivot about pin 196. Spring 195 is mounted on pin 196 such that spring 195 functions to generate forces on portions 199 and 200 that displace them in the directions indicated in FIG. 16 by arrows E and F, respectively, such that when the practice device is mounted on putter head 170, the pads 202 and 203 on the distal ends of portion 199 are pressed against parts of ball striking surface 174 and such that pads 197 and 198 mounted on the distal ends of portion 200 are pressed against surface 204 (FIG. 15) of the putter head.

Elongate panel 181 includes top edge 191, bottom edge 189 generally parallel to edge 191, distal end 190, and proximate end 184. End 184 includes downwardly extending depending finger 207.

Elongate panel 182 includes top edge 194, bottom edge 192 generally parallel to edge 182, distal end 193, and proximate end 186. End 186 includes downwardly extending depending finger 206.

The shape and dimension of panels 181 and 182 can vary as desired, but it is presently preferred that distal ends 190 and 193 be rounded and that bottom edges 189 and 192 be generally straight. The straight edges 189 and 192 facilitate properly positioning putter head 170 such that edges 189 and 192 are parallel to and spaced apart from the ground. Rounded ends 190,193 help enable a golfer to prevent distal ends 190 and 193 from inadvertently contacting the ground during a backstroke and enable a golfer, if the golfer wishes, to have the putter head 170 follow a somewhat arcuate path during the backstroke of the putter head 170.

One side or end of front portion 199 includes a plurality (i.e., three) of apertures 183. The number of apertures 183 can vary as desired, but at least two is presently preferred. Each aperture 183 is shaped and dimensioned to slidably removably receive finger 207 of end 184. Consequently, apertures 183 permit the position of panel 181 to be laterally adjusted along the front portion 199 of the body of the practice device by moving finger 207 from one aperture 183 to another aperture 183.

The other side or end of front portion 199 includes a plurality (i.e., three) of apertures 185. The number of apertures 185 can be varied as desired, but at least two apertures 185 are presently preferred. Each aperture 185 is shaped and dimensioned to slidably removably receive finger 206 of end 186. Consequently, apertures 185 permit the position of panel 182 to be laterally adjusted along the front portion 199 of the body of the practice device by moving finger 207 from one aperture 185 to another aperture 185.

Adjusting the position of panels 181 and 182 to decrease the distance between panels 181 and 182 increases the difficulty in using the practice device of the invention and forces a golfer to move the putter head along a line of travel without permitting head 160 and shaft 171 to pivot and rotate such that panels move in the direction of arrow L or arrow M (FIG. 17). Instead, the golfer endeavors to move the putter head 160 through a backstroke and forward stroke such that panels 181 and 182 remain parallel (and striking face 174 remains normal) to the desired line of travel N of the putter head 160 and such that panels 181 and 182 do not contact golf ball 175 during the putting stroke. When ball 175 is struck by and rolls away from face 174, the path of travel of ball 175 preferably is parallel to panels 181 and 182.

As exemplified by FIG. 16, the practice device of FIG. 16 utilizes a back portion 200 in which the pads 198 on the distal end thereof contact a back surface 204 of a putter head 170 that is at least in part lower than the point at which the pads 202 on the front portion 199 contact the ball striking face 174 of the putter head 170. The distance between surfaces 204 and 174 is also much greater than the distance between the surfaces 74 and 104 of the putter head 70.

The practice device of FIG. 10 utilizes a back portion 100 in which the pads 98 on the distal end thereof contacts back surface 104 of a putter head 170 that is at least in part higher than the point at which the pads 102 on the front portion 101 contact the ball striking face 74 of the putter head. The dimensional disparities between the putter heads 70 and 170 is, in the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, addressed by altering the shape and dimension of the back portion 100, 200 of the golf practice device. The shape and dimension of the front portion 101 is identical to the shape and dimension of the front portion 199. The golf practice device is adapted to fit at least certain ones of existing putter heads 70, 170 by simply mounting an appropriate back portion 100, 200 on a front portion 199 or 101, where the shape and dimension of portion 199 is equivalent to that of portion 101, and where the shape and dimension of portion 100 differs from portion 200.

The practice device of the invention can be utilized on putter heads with a face-balanced orientation, on putter heads with a toe-weighted orientation, and on putter heads with a balance orientation that is intermediate a face-balanced orientation and a toe-weighted orientation. The practice device of the invention is, as noted, preferably used to practice the pendulum style of putting, but can be utilized to practice an open-and-closed putting stroke provided the arc of travel of the putting head is not too pronounced. It is generally agreed that a putter with a head that has a face-balanced orientation facilitates a pendulum style putting stroke, and that a putter with a head that has an intermediate orientation or toe-weighted orientation facilitates the open-and-closed putter stroke. 

1. In combination with a putter having a club head having a front including a ball striking face, a back, a top, and a bottom surface, the improvements for practicing a putting stroke in which the club head moves along a path of travel substantially parallel to the ground during a backstroke, said improvements comprising a practice device including (a) a body having (i) a front portion having a distal end and a first upwardly extending grip, and, (ii) a back portion having a distal end and second upwardly extending grip spaced apart from said first grip; (b) a spring loaded fastener interconnecting said front portion and back portion to generate a forces displacing said distal end of said front portion against the ball striking face of the club head and displacing said distal end of said back portion against the back of the club head such that displacing said second grip toward said first grip displaces said distal end of said back portion away from the back of the club head, said fastener including a spring spaced rearwardly away from the ball striking face and above the top of the club head; and (c) a pair of parallel spaced apart guide panels extending outwardly from said body normal to the ball striking face, each of said panels having a lower edge extending outwardly from the ball striking face and spaced above the ground when the bottom surface of the club head is resting on and substantially parallel to the ground; said practice device mounted on the club head without contacting the bottom surface of the club head and without extending beneath the club head. 